Chicago is filled with beautiful architecture that can be seen in the city center due to the various high rises as well as more traditional builds. In fact, Chicago is a hub of excellent architecture, with many homes, offices, and other buildings combining many different styles and designs to create something that is unique and special.
The architectural flair that exists within the city makes it tough to single out just a handful of builds, there really is a high volume of stunning places. However, here are some of the top iconic and modern builds in Chicago that definitely deserve a place under the spotlight:
The Sky Vault
The Sky Vault is an aptly named penthouse that overlooks the luscious Lincoln Park. It’s about 4,500 square feet of luxury atop a stunning high-rise, that really gives this space a sense of elevation.
The top features of this build include the mansard roof with arched windows, creating a brilliant softness to the edges of the home, making it a really nice place that feels relaxed yet playful. This ode to fun is further highlighted through the expertly crafted combination of contemporary details with more traditional materials, creating a minimalist and clean space.
The building’s interiors are equally as impressive, with contrasting blacks and whites creating a sense of elegance but also sophistication. In the bright daytime, the home is full of life and color, yet when the night draws in, that is replaced with coziness. The large windows and balcony also make it a great home to appreciate the amazing Chicago skyline at night. This is just one of the multiple beautiful homes created by Chicago architectural firm dSpace.
Aqua Tower
The Aqua Tower is a frankly weird looking skyscraper, but that’s why many Chicago citizens love it. It is probably one of the most unique buildings in the entire city, thanks to its almost flowing exterior that was built to mimic the ripples of water or foaming waves. These ‘waves’ are the balconies of luxury homes, and the way they warp and seem to move across the building really gives it a vibrant sense of life.
Completed in 2009, the Aqua Tower is an award-winning piece of art that needs to be seen to be believed and has quickly become an iconic piece of the skyline, as much as the twin towers of Marina City.
Joe And Rika Mansueto Library
This library is one that stands out within the University of Chicago Campus. It’s located on and sits in stark contrast to the brutal architecture of its surroundings. The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library adds a touch of modernity to what is a cripplingly old university with its elliptic dome doing all it can to attract the eye.
The interesting thing about this build is that it’s mostly all subterranean, with the majority of the building being housed underground as it stockpiles 3.5 million books for students to read and learn from.
